With yesterday's announcement of Philip Holm signing with the Blackhawks adds to the plethora of defencemen in the organization.
Holm is a 27-year-old left-handed defenceman. He's not amazingly gifted offensively, nor is he outstanding with his defensive play. He appears to be an average bottom pairing guy for the Hawks to stash in Rockford.
Here's a snapshot:
Sure, Holm will have his sights set on making the Blackhawks but it's already very crowded with 8 D on NHL contracts. The fact the Holm's contract is a two-way deal will not work in his favour.
What will work in his favour is heading to Rockford and being a veteran leader there. He has spent most of his time in the SHL, however, has had a taste of North America with 1 NHL game and a solid stint in the AHL (38 points in 63 games) in 2017-18.
Last season, Holm took his talents back overseas and played in the KHL where he became an All-Star.
While he may not seem like a "veteran" at 27-years old, he's well-traveled and will be the oldest IceHogs D of the roster.
So, another D added… hmmmm. The Hawks are going to have a lot of options in Chicago and Rockford, with spillover into the Indy Fuel.
There are currently 15 D on NHL contracts (
BOLD: 8 on 1-way deals).
Keith
Seabrook
Murphy
de Haan
Maata
Gustafsson
Koekkoek
Dahlstrom
Boqvist
Beaudin
Gilbert
Calrsson
Holm
Krys
Tuulola
Then added another 3 on AHL-only deals (
Osipov, Ryczek and
McArdle).
What gives?
I will have my own analysis of what I think will happen in on the backend.
But first, I want to get your thoughts today on what your ideal grouping of defenders as it stands today in Chicago AND Rockford.
Who is your ideal 7 or 8 in Chicago? Who is best served playing in Rockford and who should get the majority of playing time down there?
Let's hear it!
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Lastly, if you're on Twitter, you have to be following
Robin Lehner. He is quite active and is very inspiring as he continues to be a role model in the mental health space.
… also, sweet mask! Can't wait to see him in it come September.
See ya out there!
TC